New Matric and Inter Grading Policy Delayed in Punjab and Balochistan
Pakistan’s new matric and intermediate grading policy for 2026 is facing uncertainty as Punjab and Balochistan have not yet issued formal notifications for its implementation. Although the policy was approved at the national level for uniform enforcement across all provinces and Azad Kashmir, the delay in two major provinces has raised concerns among students, parents, teachers, and universities.
The policy aims to standardize the examination system, increase academic standards, and create consistency in university admissions across Pakistan. However, inconsistent adoption may create confusion and complications.
Background of the New Grading Policy 2026
The new grading system was approved by:
- Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC)
- Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference
The goal was to implement a uniform grading policy across Pakistan starting from the 2026 annual exams.
Education authorities emphasized that the reform is necessary to modernize the education system and bring it in line with international standards.
Major Changes in the New Matric and Inter Grading Policy
The revised policy introduces several important changes:
1. Increase in Passing Marks
Passing marks for Class 9 and Class 11 will increase from 33 percent to 40 percent.
This change applies to:
- Matric exams (SSC)
- Intermediate exams (HSSC)
The increase is intended to improve academic standards and student performance.
2. Separate Passing Requirement for Each Subject
Under the new system:
- Students must score at least 40% in each subject.
- There will be no subject compensation.
This ensures students have proper knowledge in all subjects rather than relying on strong marks in selected areas.
Provinces That Have Already Adopted the Policy
The following regions have formally issued notifications:
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
- Islamabad
- Azad Kashmir
These provinces have started preparations for implementing the new grading criteria in the 2026 exams.
Why Punjab and Balochistan Have Not Issued Notifications
Punjab and Balochistan have yet to officially adopt the new grading framework.
Possible reasons include:
- Administrative processes
- Provincial review requirements
- Concerns about exam preparation
- Political or logistical delays
However, no official explanation has been publicly confirmed.
Impact on Students Preparing for 2026 Exams
Students in Classes 9 and 11 are directly affected.
Concerns include:
- Confusion about passing marks
- Uncertainty about grading formula
- Fear of higher failure rate
- Preparation challenges
Students in Punjab and Balochistan may not know whether to prepare under the 33% or 40% passing standard.
University Admission Complications
Universities across Pakistan plan to prepare merit lists under the new grading criteria.
If different provinces follow different systems:
- Merit calculation will become complicated
- Percentage comparison will be difficult
- Students from one province may gain unfair advantage
- Admission disputes may arise
Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of IBCC, warned that inconsistent grading policies could create serious issues in higher education admissions.
Why Uniform Education Policy Is Important
A nationwide grading system ensures:
- Equal academic standards
- Fair competition
- Transparent merit lists
- Smooth university admissions
Uniform enforcement prevents discrimination between provinces.
Possible Effects on University Merit Lists
If Punjab continues with 33% passing marks while Sindh and KP use 40%, universities may struggle to:
- Standardize score comparison
- Convert grades properly
- Maintain fairness
Merit lists for medical colleges, engineering universities, and public universities may be impacted.
Government’s Objective Behind Education Reform
The new grading policy is part of broader education reforms aimed at:
- Raising academic standards
- Improving student competency
- Reducing low-quality pass percentages
- Aligning with international grading practices
Authorities believe higher standards will improve university readiness.
Criticism of the Policy
Some education experts argue:
- Sudden increase in passing marks may increase failure rates
- Rural students may struggle
- Teachers need more training
- Curriculum adjustments are required
Critics suggest phased implementation instead of immediate enforcement.
Teacher and School Preparation Challenges
For successful implementation, schools must:
- Update lesson planning
- Provide extra academic support
- Conduct awareness sessions
- Adjust exam preparation strategies
Without preparation, students may face unexpected difficulty.
Risk of Academic Confusion Nationwide
If implementation remains inconsistent:
- Students may file legal challenges
- Parents may protest
- Admission processes may delay
- Boards may face administrative problems
Education synchronization is essential.
Broader Education Reforms in Pakistan
The grading reform comes alongside other changes such as:
- Digital paper marking
- Biometric attendance in exams
- CCTV monitoring at exam centers
- Standardized science practical assessments
These reforms aim to modernize Pakistan’s examination system.
Economic and Social Impact of Higher Passing Marks
Raising academic standards can:
- Improve workforce quality
- Enhance university competitiveness
- Strengthen Pakistan’s global education ranking
However, sudden changes may create short-term stress.
Need for Immediate Clarification
Education stakeholders are urging Punjab and Balochistan authorities to:
- Issue clear notifications
- Announce final decisions
- Provide detailed implementation timeline
Clear communication will reduce student anxiety.
What Happens If the Delay Continues?
If no notification is issued before exams:
- Confusion may persist
- Universities may face policy mismatch
- Students may challenge results
Synchronized enforcement is necessary.
The Role of IBCC in Coordination
The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) is responsible for:
- Maintaining uniform standards
- Coordinating exam boards
- Resolving inter-provincial differences
Its warning highlights the seriousness of the issue.
Conclusion
The new matric and inter grading policy for 2026 represents a significant reform in Pakistan’s education system. Increasing passing marks to 40% and introducing separate subject requirements aim to raise academic standards.
However, delays in Punjab and Balochistan threaten to create confusion and inequality in university admissions.
Uniform implementation across all provinces is essential to ensure fairness, transparency, and academic consistency.
The coming weeks will determine whether Pakistan can successfully synchronize its grading reforms or face complications in the 2026 academic year.
